Transom lights

fourreins · Post by **fourreins** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 3:55 pm

I know the topic of underwater lights has been discussed previously but not sure aboutthe wiring of the lights. Do you think they would be difficult to hard wire to the boat? Are they DC? Do the Trojan panels have any extra toggle switches?

Allen Sr · Post by **Allen Sr** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 4:30 pm

Normally they are DC. Just make sure they are 12v and not 24v. And are you talking the 12v distribution panel or dash panel? Either one you should be able to add an extra circuit to.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 6:12 pm

Unless the are L E D lights you can not leave them on when they are out of the water , like when the boat is in plane . they will over heat .

fourreins · Post by **fourreins** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 6:13 pm

I guess I was hoping to tap into the distribution center in the Salon. SHould that be easy?

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 6:42 pm

Just start looking at how you can run wire and it really should be ran in one straight run no splicing. And from what I've seen LED's are the best.

rbcool · Post by **rbcool** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 6:50 pm

Hardest part is usualy getting the wires to the panel. Agree with Tony, LED is the best. Where are you thinking of putting them??

Ron

fourreins · Post by **fourreins** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 8:28 pm

Wouldlike to put them on the transom underwater.... maybe four of them. Not sure what brand yet... what do you guys think?

Audrey II · Post by **Audrey II** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 8:55 pm

I'm considering adding a couple also I think two good lights would be enough 4 sounds like a lot.

rbcool · Post by **rbcool** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 9:09 pm

Another consideration... I've heard guys complain of barnacles growing on them. So most of the ones I see now are mounted where you can reach a brush on a pole to scrub them. If you don't have a swim platform, not a concern.

Ron

summer storm · Post by **summer storm** » Mon Dec 20, 2010 8:13 pm

I installed 5 lights last spring on the big boat and I have this to offer-

1. consider 110vac lights over 12vdc. You can't use them underway and 99% of the time they are on you will be on the dock with shore power.

2. The LED lights are not as strong as the bulb type. I looked at both and the LED's light up about 5 ft, the halogens light up 15ft feet. It will depend what you want the end result to be.

3. If you are thinking four lights, make it six. There is nothing worse that spending all this money and looking at them the first time and saying "that's it"? 4 on stern and 1 on each side about 1 ft foward of the stern.

4. Believe or not most units are not water proof on the inside and if it is very moist inside the boat where they will be you will have major problems. Look for the sealed units, more money but worth it.

5. Lastly I don't know the clarity of your water, mine are just about useless unless i am in the Bahamas or some place the water is really clear. In clear water they are great, I can see the bottom, fish, and any thing else under the boat. But when I am in any east coast harbor all I get is a weak glow- not worth it in my mind.

fourreins · Post by **fourreins** » Mon Dec 20, 2010 8:29 pm

What brand of light did you use?

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Mon Dec 20, 2010 10:35 pm

I suggest going with a model that is surface mounted so that you're not drilling a few big holes in the transom. Surface units usually require about four little screws. If you mount under a swim platform instead of the transom, ensure that they are designed for out-of-water mounting (not cooled by water). Even some high output LEDs get hot. Find out the current draw and fuse accordingly, and install an LED indicator at the helm so you can tell at a glance if the lights are on or off. I personally would go for 12 volt units for safety reasons. I don't like the idea of being on the hook, and in the water behind the boat with 120v.

summer storm · Post by **summer storm** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 2:36 pm

fourreins wrote:What brand of light did you use?

sea water lights